Developing multiplexed intracellular gene delivery on a microelectrode array

Transfection, the act of introducing foreign nucleic acids into cells, is required to test the effects of new genetic constructs. Overcoming the barrier that is the cell membrane is an essential part of transfection and is often performed with electric currents, through a process called electroporation. In previous work, imec demonstrated that the electroporation of cells grown on microelectrode arrays (MEA) could be used to deliver genes with high efficiency [1][2]. The scalability of the method used, however, is limited, as only one type of molecular cargo is delivered at a time. To screen for the cellular effects of nucleic acid constructs, high-throughput functional screenings require introducing many different constructs in many different cell populations. In this internship project, the student will explore and refine a method able to deliver different nucleic acids in different cells at the same time on a single MEA chip, effectively multiplexing the gene delivery. The effectivity of the technique and the cell viability will be evaluated through fluorescence microscopy. This work is aimed to contribute to a peer-reviewed scientific publication for the which the student would be the main author.

[1] Duckert et al., High-definition electroporation: Precise and efficient transfection on a microelectrode array

[2] Duckert et al., Optimizing mRNA transfection on a high-definition electroporation microelectrode array results in 98% efficiency and multiplexed gene delivery

Type of internship: Master internship, PhD internship

Duration: 6 to 9 months

Required educational background: Bioscience Engineering, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Chemistry/Chemical Engineering

University promotor: Liesbet Lagae (KU Leuven)

Supervising scientist(s): For further information or for application, please contact Bastien Duckert ([email protected])

The reference code for this position is 2026-INT-010. Mention this reference code in your application.

Only for self-supporting students.

Applications should include the following information:

• resume
• motivation
• current study

Incomplete applications will not be considered.